Prototype and Build Engineer

Ascend Arc; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AscendArc is seeking an early member of its Manufacturing team for the Prototype and Build Engineer role to develop a revolutionary satellite communications system. You will connect vision to hardware, build it, test it and fly it, leading prototyping, machining, and fabrication of spacecraft assemblies.

The position requires expert mechanical aptitude, CNC programming skills, and experience with metals, composites, and fabrication.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude and precision fabrication skills.
• High proficiency in CNC programming and machining.
• Experience in prototype construction with metals, composites, and fabricated materials.
• Working knowledge of CAM, CAD, and metrology tools.
• Familiar with manufacturing documentation and process control.
• Comfortable iterating designs and troubleshooting builds.
• Independent work with clear communication across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead prototyping, machining, and fabrication of spacecraft assemblies and parts.
• Support manufacturing and assembly of flight and qualification hardware.
• Contribute to production planning and tooling design.
• Apply technical knowledge across mechanical, composite, and electromechanical systems to solve build challenges and deliver precise hardware on schedule.

Skills

CNC programming

Machining

Prototype fabrication

CAM

CAD

Metrology

Troubleshooting

Communication

Tools

CAM software

CAD software

Job description

Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Manufacturing team as a Prototype and Build Engineer developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.

AscendArc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the prototyping, machining, and fabrication of spacecraft assemblies and parts.
• Support manufacturing and assembly of flight and qualification hardware.
• Contribute to production planning and tooling design.
• Apply technical knowledge across mechanical, composite, and electromechanical systems to solve build challenges and deliver precise hardware on schedule.

Qualifications

• Expert mechanical aptitude and precision fabrication skills.
• Strong experience with CNC programming, machining, and general shop tools.
• Skilled in prototype construction using metals, composites, and fabricated materials.
• Working knowledge of CAM, CAD, and metrology tools.
• Familiar with manufacturing documentation and process control.
• Comfortable iterating designs, troubleshooting builds, and solving hands‑on engineering problems.
• Capable of independent work with minimal oversight and good communication across engineering and production teams.
• Able to lift 25 lbs and perform work requiring standing or manual handling.
• Proactive and resourceful — able to anticipate build issues and propose solutions.
• Willing to assist with operational and maintenance tasks that keep the shop running efficiently.

Base Salary

The base base salary range for this position is $85,000-160,000. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.

Legal Eligibility to Work

Due to U.S. export control regulations, this position is only open to “U.S. persons.” That means you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have refugee/asylee status. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants on temporary work visas (such as H‑1B, TN, O‑1, etc.) for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor or legally protected status.